Recently I've been into a few DIY projects that have turned out really great, I just haven't had the time to share them all...

Two weeks ago I began a search for a huge (5ft x 2.5 ft) old Victorian frame for a chalkboard. Despite the fact that that size is nearly impossible to come by, when you do, they are upwards of $500. So, I did some digging, and this is what I came up with...

If it looks to you like this was difficult... it's not! Heres a step by step of how to get this accomplished. Even if you don't want to make a chalkboard out of it, you can just make the framing and hot glue it to a mirror in need of some refurbing!

First, I went to Home Depot and bought this crown molding with a design similar to that of a victorian frame. This molding was $16 per piece, and I bought 3 of them. Then if you go to the lumber department, they have these flat smooth wood pieces that are something like 6 ft by 8ft, and for $6 they will cut them to any size you want. Also while you are in the lumber department, go to the area where they have spare cuts of crown molding. On their "cut it yourself" miter box, cut a small piece of molding with a 45 degree angle, or ask the guy there to help you. This will be you guide piece by which to cut your molding at home.

While I was there, I also picked up a can of chalkboard paint, and Rust- Oleum Chrome Spray (the one above is metallic, but the one to buy is chrome), and a small roller.

Next I painted the flat wood board in about 5 coats of chalkboard paint (its also available in spray, but its important to do enough coats, so I used the paint to get it nice and thick)

In between letting your paint dry, measure out your crown molding to the length you want, and cut the 45 degree angles into the ends, making sure to cut them so that the corners match up. (You may need a file to perfect your cuts so that all the edges align nicely)

After this, turn your molding over to the back, and staple gun the corners together! Then, flip it to the front and take it somewhere that you will not be concerned about overspray. Spray it with the chrome spray making sure to coat it nicely. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Then use short screws and screw your chalkboard onto the back in equally spaced places.